Karine Jean-Pierre makes history as the first Black woman in three decades to hold the White House press briefing

Oma Seddiq
Updated ·2 min read
Karine Jean-Pierre makes history as the first Black woman in three decades to hold the White House press briefing
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  • Karine Jean-Pierre became the first Black woman in 30 years to lead a White House press briefing.

  • "I appreciate the historic nature. I really do," Jean-Pierre said Wednesday.

  • Jean-Pierre becomes only the second Black woman to brief reporters from the White House lectern.

  • See more stories on Insider's business page.

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House principal deputy press secretary, became the first Black woman in three decades to step behind the podium in the James S. Brady briefing room on Wednesday.

Jean-Pierre, who serves as President Joe Biden's No. 2 spokesperson under press secretary Jen Psaki, shared her thoughts on the history-making moment to reporters, calling it "a real honor."

"I appreciate the historic nature. I really do," she said. "But I believe that being behind this podium, being in this room, being in this building - it's not about one person. It's about what we do on behalf of the American people."

Jean-Pierre extended her gratitude to the president for giving her the opportunity to address reporters on Wednesday and for his efforts to build a diverse administration.

"Clearly, the president believes representation matters," Jean-Pierre said. "It's another reason why I think we are so proud that this is the most diverse administration in history."

Jean-Pierre becomes only the second Black woman to brief reporters from the White House lectern, following President George H.W. Bush's deputy press secretary, Judy Smith, in 1991.

She is also the first openly gay person to lead the White House press briefing.

Jean-Pierre was named Biden's deputy principal press secretary in November, and has since regularly attended briefings led by Psaki and responded to questions from the press in small gatherings off-camera.

Before her role at the White House, Jean-Pierre served as then-vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris' chief of staff during the 2020 campaign.

Jean-Pierre's appearance behind the White House podium on Wednesday comes after Psaki has made clear that she plans to step down from her role next year.

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